“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
It was after reading Ann’s blog for a number of months, when I finally decided to join the Gratitude Community in June of 2010. Since then, each Monday I join the assembly of voices sharing praises to God for all He’s done. And this week, I have reached #2,000 on my gratitude list.
When I started, I had no idea that I would even make it to a thousand. I thought it was a good idea, was curious to see if it was as life changing as people said, but never imagined it would become a way of life. After all, it’s hard to keep up with any kind of life discipline consistently-at least it is for me. But God, He can do anything and He has been at work these past couple of years revealing to me how gratitude for His grace can transform the heart.
It’s been a gradual change and one which I’ve been slow to learn. Some weeks my list was long because I enjoyed a special activity, trip, or experience. Celebrating holidays also gave me many reasons to give thanks. But those weeks where the fog was thick and the sun remained behind the clouds, I struggled to count graces. As time went on, I learned that it was possible to give thanks in all circumstances, even my depression. I realized that because God is always good and since He brings everything into my life for my ultimate good, I can return thanks-even while in the darkest valleys.
I’ve also learned to give thanks in the mundane of life, in the everyday chores, responsibilities, and challenges. This habit of counting has been like a new lens that helps me see the world differently. I now see things I never noticed before, the way the sun shines through rain drops, the caterpillar on a leaf, and a bee resting on a flower. I’ve learned to savor tastes, sounds, and smells like the first bite of dark chocolate, my children’s laughter, and cookies baking in the oven.
Counting has opened my eyes to what has been here all along, I was just too blind to see.
And I’ve come to see that all things are because of His grace and by His grace. From the air I breathe to the food I eat, from the long lines at the store to the heaviness in my heart, all is grace. All the things I experience in my life are gifts of His grace, given as opportunities for me to draw ever closer to God and enjoy deeper communion and intimacy with Him.
This journey of joy continues to teach me, mold me, and refine me. I look forward to seeing what the next thousand will be!
Counting in community: (#1991-2000)
Sitting in the doctor’s office for two hours with both kids and not getting overly frustrated (a miracle for me:)
Red velvet peppermint cookies
Ladies ornament exchange at church
hot chocolate bar:)
the canvases arriving that I ordered of our family portraits
opportunities to give to others this season
watching our town’s Christmas parade with my church family
my oldest being in his first parade
reaching 2,000!
Linking up with these friends:
Congratulations on 2000 thanks!!! That is awesome!! I love this idea so much, I had to visit your link to Ann’s website. What a beautiful task!! To look for the good in every moment, to always search for something for which to be thankful
~ “I now see things I never noticed before, the way the sun shines through rain drops, the caterpillar on a leaf, and a bee resting on a flower. I’ve learned to savor tastes, sounds, and smells like the first bite of dark chocolate, my children’s laughter, and cookies baking in the oven.” ~ I love this so much!! How much sweeter and more precious are those small moments! Thanks so much for sharing, have a blessed day!!
Thanks Amanda! It has been an amazing journey. Praying that God will continue to open my eyes to see all that He has done.
yeah…congrats…oh yes…counting…hammering out one emotion…replacing it with thanksgiving…and for me…the most wonderful thing is to be able to help my kids…that are still at home…to learn this lesson young…continuing to infinity with you~
Infinity, yes! Oh, and I love how you are passing it on in your family. Blessings to you, Ro!
Oh, hooray for 2000! I love the way gratitude has begun to shape not just me but my whole family. Amazing how thanks opens our eyes to His constant presence. Keep counting, friend!
Thanks Alicia! And I’m thankful for other bloggers in this community, like you. I love reading how God is revealing himself to others and reading their lists too. Blessings!
Congrats on 2000! All is grace!!
Thanks, Eileen!
Wow! 2K! I’m thankful to be blessed as you walk this gratitude road. I’m encouraged by the testimony of grace that you have been to me. He is so good.
He is so good! A list of infinity good at that:) Thanks, friend!
red velvet peppermint! Sounds yummy!!!
Thanks for helping us all be more thankful, Christina!
It is yummy! You should try some:)
Yes, I’ve discovered some of those same truths, Christina, as I’ve stretched my gratitude muscles. Now I think of every day as a treasure hunt to find God’s blessings-even and especially in the middle of a trial or difficult day. Great post and reminder!
Treasure hunt is a good description! Thanks Beth for stopping by and leaving your words of encouragement!
What blessings you have counted and will count. I’m so happy for you!
Yes it is good to develop an attitude of gratitude. Yesterday at the doctor, he said that even when drinking water we should thank the Lord for this gift that is life giving. Praising the Lord with you! Patsy
Congrats, and may 2,000 seem like a small number as the blessings continue to add up! May we all learn to give thanks as a more natural part of our nature.
Congratulations on 2,000! I hope you will continue to count. I started counting early this year, and somehow lost sight of my graces. I plan to start again at the New Year!
This is wonderful news. I suffer from Fibro/CFS and have learned to thank our Pappa God for His wisdom in allowing it in my life. This illness stopped me in my tracks and I started to truly learn and experience how to walk with our Lord Jesus.
Hugs XX
Mia
Congratulations on reaching 2,000!! I surpassed 1,000 a few weeks ago and am so thankful!! Counting has changed me GREATLY!!
This is fantastic. Congrats on reaching 2,000!
How wonderful, Christina! 2000′ wow. Cultivating a grateful heart does have amazing transformative power and Ann is such a great mentor and teacher.